Council's tax bill victory

The appeal was brought by Mr Guzenfar Iqbal of Woodland Avenue, who disputed the fact that the council tax bill was his.

He claimed he had tenants in the property for the period of the dispute.

Officers from the Council’s appeal team argued that Mr Iqbal was the owner of the property and liable for the council tax charge from 28 January 2008.

The valuation tribunal dismissed his appeal and considered that the evidence he provided was inconclusive. The tribunal found that he had not provided consistent, reliable, verifiable documentary evidence to demonstrate that he lived elsewhere throughout this period.

Cllr Andy Malcolm, Portfolio Holder for finance, said: “This is a great result for the Council and for the hard working officers of the appeals team. Paying council tax is not an optional extra.

“It is the responsibility of all those who are liable. We are committed to ensuring everyone pays what they owe to the authority so we can channel the money into the services this town deserves.”